Guitar Player Returns, The (TAGS Episode)

Episode Info

The Guitar Player Returns

• S1.E31
• Filmed: 31
• Aired: 31
• Original Air Date: 1961/05/16
• Writer(s): Jack Elinson and Charles Stewart
• Director: Bob Sweeney

Plot Summary

Hometown hero Jim Lindsey makes a flashy return, but the town soon suspects he is not the big star he appears to be. After Andy investigates, he learns Jim cannot pay his bills. Furthermore, a collection agent shows up in Mayberry to repossess Jim's new Mercedes. Andy takes matters into his own hands, calls in Bobby Fleet, and Bobby and Jim patch up their creative differences.

Plot

Jim Lindsey, a local guitarist from Mayberry who has gained fame while playing with Bobby Fleet and his Band with a Beat, returns to town in a flashy convertible and fancy clothes, suggesting he's been successful. However, Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) senses that all might not be well with Jim's life despite the outward signs of success.

Upon his return, Jim tells everyone he's doing well, but it soon becomes clear that his solo career has failed, and he's broke, with his sports car repossessed. He's returned to Mayberry because he has nowhere else to go. Jim's old friends start questioning why he hasn't paid his bills, and Andy sets out to uncover the truth about Jim's situation.

Andy contacts Bobby Fleet, learning that Jim's departure from the band was due to his oversized ego and unreasonable demands. Realizing Jim's potential, Bobby is willing to take him back but only after a bit of orchestration by Andy, who arrests Jim to force a meeting between the two. Bobby then offers Jim his old job back, with a raise, giving Jim a second chance to restart his music career.

This episode highlights themes of humility, the realities of fame, and the importance of community support, all wrapped in the comedic and heartwarming style typical of The Andy Griffith Show.

Odd Facts Known by Few

• At the beginning of the episode, Jim Lindsey comes into the courthouse and starts playing his guitar. The guitar he is holding is acoustic, but the sounds we hear are clearly coming from an electric guitar.

• According to Aunt Bee, Jim Lindsey's favorite dinner is fried chicken and cornbread.

• According to Barney, Jim's big record is "Rock and Roll Rosie From Raleigh.”

• The roadster driven by Jim Lindsey in this episode,is a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. Manufactured as an entry level Mercedes convertible, the 190 was very popular in the US in the late 50's, and early 60's.

• Jim plays a Fender Jazzmaster electric guitar with Andy in the Taylor living room. When Jim Lindsey finishes playing his guitar in Andy's living room, the applause from Andy, Barney, Ellie and Aunt Bee is clearly enhanced on the soundtrack.

• In the close-up "two-shots" of Andy and Jim playing "Midnight Special," Andy's ankles are crossed. In group shots his feet are spread apart.

• The out-of-date edition of TV Guide with Lucille Ball on the cover has returned to its former position on the top shelf of the magazine rack, near the top hinge of the pharmacy's front door, since its previous appearance at the other end of the shelf.

• When Jim is playing in the Courthouse at the end of the episode, there clearly is the sound of a bass guitar and a full band accompanying him, but none is present.

• This is the first and only appearance of Herb Ellis as Bobby Fleet, the second of two to play the character. Herb Ellis appeared in the classic Clint Eastwood film "Hang 'em High".

• This is the last appearance of Ellie Walker. Elinor Donahue decided not to return after the first season because she felt she had no on-screen chemistry with Andy Griffith. Griffith later admitted that it was his own fault because he had a hard time showing affection on-screen and as a result, the relationship didn't appear real or believable.

• Earle Hagen was the music director for The Andy Griffith Show. Mr. Hagen said the person playing the guitar for Jame Best was Barney Kessel. Earle ought to know.

• Actor James Best is best known for his part as "Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane" in 141 episodes of "The Dukes Of Hazzard". He also directed 3 episodes and was associate producer of the Burt Reynolds movie "The End". James is also a painter. He creates many oil paintings and has his own website. His beach home was destroyed by Hurricane Frederick in September of 1979.

Character List

• Andy Griffith - Andy Taylor
• Don Knotts - Barney Fife
• Ronny Howard - Opie Taylor
• Frances Bavier - Aunt Bee Taylor
• Elinor Donahue - Ellie Walker
• Howard McNear - Floyd Lawson
• Dick Elliott - Mayor Pike
• James Best - Jim Lindsey
• Phil Chambers - Jason
• Thomas B. Henry - repossession agent
• Herb Ellis - Bobby Fleet